Deaccessioning After A Divorce: How And When To Pare Down Your Belongings

Museums consistently cultivate their collections not only by searching
for new pieces, but also by paring down exhibits that are no longer relevant
or do not contribute maximum value. Referred to as deaccessioning, this
process is guided by strict protocol to ensure that each removal is in
the museum’s best interest.

The principal of deaccession can effectively be implemented into the divorce
process. Although a great deal of paring down occurs as separating couples
split household items, many divorcees desire to part with other belongings
long after they’ve set out on their own. This allows them to remove
negative associations from their lives and start fresh.

Divorce-prompted minimization can vary significantly based on priorities
and available space. If you’re trying to cram your belongings into
a one-bedroom apartment after living with your ex in a big house, your
process will look a lot different than a busy mother who struggles seeing
all the reminders of her children’s father. Apply the following
tips and techniques as needed to bring simplicity to your life:

Integrate the Kondo Method

Do your possessions actively bring about happiness? If they don’t,
they’re not worth keeping. A Kondo-inspired pare down involves handling
each item and assessing how you feel. Things that make you sad should
go immediately; those that prompt ambivalence typically should as well.

Sell Valuable, But Unwanted Items

Deaccessioning museums don’t simply trash artifacts they no longer
want; they find a new home for them. As a divorcee, you can do the same.
Ask friends and family members if they need any of your unwanted inventory.
Sell other items at a consignment shop. Donate remaining items and take
advantage of associated tax breaks.

Swaps

Instead of selling unwanted artifacts, many museums trade with one another.
For example, Atlanta’s High Museum of Art performed a swap with
gallery owners Roger Ricco and Frank Maresca; both emerged with paintings
they desired, and on a budget that would not have been possible had they
pursued other approaches to deaccession. For divorcees, this can be accomplished
on a small scale via private swaps with friends, or at a larger event
such as the Women’s Clothing Exchange of Baltimore.

Deaccessioning can help you simplify at home; DiPietro Family Law can provide
a simplified approach to your Maryland divorce.
Get in touch today to learn more.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

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